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Preschool-12 Dual Language Education in
Two Locations in the Bay Area

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About
- Welcome to GISSV
  The German International School of Silicon Valley is an independent, nonprofit preschool–grade 12 school with two locations in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Learning in German and English
  Our high-quality dual-immersion education helps students reach their full potential in a stimulating environment that fosters critical and imaginative thinking, a passion for lifelong learning and an appreciation for cultural diversity.
Admissions
- Meeting Students’ Needs From Preschool Through High School
  GISSV welcomes students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. We serve students from two to eighteen years old.
- Enrollment
  The enrollment period begins during the months of January and February of each year for the upcoming school year. We also accept new students throughout the school year based on availability. Knowledge of the German language is required for all children who enroll after 1st grade (See also our German Fast Track Program).
Learning
- Nurturing Holistic and Individual Development
  Our well-balanced program provides rich project-based and differentiated learning experiences, fostering interests across all subject areas as well as social-emotional competency, critical thinking, artistic expression and physical motor skills.
- Safe and Stimulating Learning Environments
  We provide highly qualified teachers, small class sizes and an excellent student-to-teacher ratio. Our engaging and ambitious curriculum is enhanced by comprehensive science and technology resources.
School Life
- Rich Experiences in the Classroom and Beyond
  At GISSV, we are instilling an appreciation of life, music, sports, culture and arts among our students. We take responsibility and action for ourselves, others and our planet.
- Strong Sense of Community
  GISSV has a vibrant international school community thanks to our small class sizes, cohesive, dynamic preschool–12 structure and enriching events that involve all our students, teachers and parents.
Campuses & Camps
- Serving Families Across the Bay Area
  GISSV has campuses in Mountain View and San Francisco. We also connect our students to their local environment by exploring the cultural, natural, academic and entrepreneurial destinations the Bay Area has to offer.
- Two Campuses, One School
  All GISSV programs are bilingual and based on the German curriculum of the state of Thuringia, which is known and respected for its well-rounded educational approach
Support GISSV
- Enhancing the GISSV Experience
  Family and community support is a vital part of GISSV. Voluntary contributions of time, resources and expertise are key to our success.
- Every Gift Matters
  Donations are essential to preserving and advancing GISSV’s exceptional educational programs. Tax-deductible contributions enable us to realize our most important current and long-term priorities, preparing our students for the world ahead.

Hillside 90

The home of our Berkeley campus, the landmark Hillside School in the Berkeley Hills, is turning 90 this year, and we invite the Berkeley community, the GISSV school community, friends, neighbors and alumni to come celebrate the historic building!

The 90thy anniversary celebration is an opportunity for the community to come see the building and experience how today's students are bringing it back to life.

GISSV acquired the site in 2012 after 86 years of ownership by the Berkeley public school system. We are committed to restoring the former splendor of the campus and being an integral part of the neighborhood. To date, we have implemented numerous phases in the restoration, including the installation of a new roof, renewal of the historic facade and renovation of classrooms as well as of the beautiful auditorium to serve as a concert hall for the school and the larger community.

Gala Dinner

Join us for the first GISSV Gala on Saturday, May 14, from 6 to 11 pm! Enjoy live entertainment, a champagne reception, a gourmet dinner by Mediterraneo and desserts by Gaumenkitzel Restaurant. The inaugural event will also feature the opening of the Hillside 90 student exhibition, an exciting silent auction and after-dinner dance in the historic renovated Hillside auditorium. Tickets are $125 until May 1 and $150 between May 2 and 14. Be sure to reserve your seats early!

Click here for tickets

Community Day

The Community Day on Sunday, May 15, from 2 to 5 pm, will feature a student exhibition about Hillside and 90 years of history, musical and theatrical performances, an architectural tour of the building, games of the 20s, video screenings, food, drinks and interactive art activities--including a Hillside photo contest and a jointly painted mural of the campus! There will also be an an alumni area to give alumni an opportunity to connect with one another. As a highlight, students will perform excerpts of the "Wayside School" play by Louis Sachar, celebrating one of the lasting legacies of the Hillside School history. Admission to the Community Day is free.

GISSV is looking forward to opening up the campus and celebrating the beloved Berkeley landmark with the community.

If you have a memory, ephemera or an image of the school to share in our exhibition, we would like to hear from you! Please contact us at hillside90@gissv.org.